Rheumatoid Arthritis and Physical Therapy

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Physical Therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder that affects the joints by causing inflammation and pain. It is one of the most common diseases and affects people of all ages and races. RA directly affects the lining of the joints, which causes a painful swelling that eventually results in bone erosion and joint deformity. This condition can also lead to stiffness and redness in the joints.

Physical therapy exercises can help your rheumatoid arthritis. How? It makes you stronger and more flexible, which helps you to feel better. This is because getting up and moving reduces your pain and gives you more energy. To help you get started, follow these five tips from our doctors:

Work with Professionals: At our Hurst physical rehabilitation clinic, our physical therapists will work with you to develop a plan and show you exercises that will help as well as how to do them properly. Your physical therapist also has direct access to your doctor at Trinity Orthopedics, making communication much easier.

Turn Up the Heat: A lot of people with RA wake up with stiff joints. A morning shower can do a lot to help loosen you up and get ready for the day. The moist heat relaxes your muscles and increases your blood flow.

Aerobic Exercises: With rheumatoid arthritis, aerobic exercises are an essential part of physical therapy. Pair up with someone to go for walks or join an exercise class for people with arthritis.

Set Goals: If you have something to work toward, it makes physical therapy a lot easier and far more fulfilling. Whether it’s keeping up with your kids or a hobby you miss, goals can motivate you to keep going!

Don’t Give Up!: It can be tempting to put off your exercises because you’re too stiff or hurt too much. Don’t let yourself slip! Keep a “no excuses” policy and make time for your physical therapy exercises every day.

Questions? Contact us or call 817.283.5252 to schedule a consultation with our doctors and physical therapists!

Dr. Kjeldgaard obtained his bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from State University New York at Buffalo. Dr. Kjeldgaard practiced as a physical therapist for several years, honing his knowledge of the ins and outs of the body, before returning to medical school and graduating from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1986 where he stayed on for a year as an intern with the orthopedic surgery residency. He continued practicing medicine until he moved to Texas and founded Trinity Orthopedics, striving to work with the best orthopedic surgeons in Fort Worth.